WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — The next generation of the national beef strategy is moving ahead. The first strategy involving a wide range of beef industry stakeholders ran from 2015-18 with a goal of moving the industry forward with four pillars. The sketch of the next strategy that runs from 2020-24 was presented at the British […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
On-farm mycotoxin tests available
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Rapid tests to identify mycotoxins in the field are available. An integrated system called Raptor from Neogen Corp. can identify mycotoxin contamination on the farm or at a feed mill within minutes. The system can show if aflatoxin, ochratoxin, zearalenone, DON, T2/HT-2 toxins and fumonisin are present. The system was demonstrated at […] Read more
Cattle play major role on Ontario grain farm
Producer receives environmental stewardship award for the work he has done in crop and pasture management
ST GEORGE, ONT. — Steve Sickle is a life-long learner when it comes to managing crops and pasture. One of the things he has learned is that cattle and cropland go together. Beef Farmers of Ontario agrees with his theories and named him its 2019 environmental stewardship award winner. Sickle said the award caught him […] Read more
Preconditioning calves can help prevent illness
Calves that are properly vaccinated, given protein-rich feed and taught to use a waterer before leaving home tend to be sturdier and able to withstand a variety of stress factors at the feedlot
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Bovine respiratory disease is the leading cause of sickness and death in newly received feedlot calves. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure for these youngsters that may be immuno-compromised after weaning and transportation. “When you look at the entire North American feedlot industry this disease alone and […] Read more
Canada sees significant jump in beef exports
The United States, China and Japan are the major markets as exports increase by 24 percent and value jumps 40 percent
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Canada is turning in a gold medal performance when it comes to beef exports. About half of what is produced here leaves Canada, and year-to-date figures show a 24 percent increase in export volume and 40 percent jump in value, said Brian Perillat, senior market analyst with Canfax. “There is no […] Read more
Treaty talks worry B.C. ranchers
Cattle producers concerned with unknowns as the government negotiates with First Nations to settle unresolved land claims
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — There has been no significant progress in finalizing treaties with First Nations groups in British Columbia although some negotiations have progressed and could be settled in a few years. Cattle producers with grazing leases on land under negotiation who are concerned about land and water have been assured they will not […] Read more
Producers still adjusting to less antibiotic use
Canada and the U.S. require prescriptions for antibiotics for food-producing animals and are stepping up surveillance
LEXINGTON, Kentucky — Modern livestock producers have no memory of life without antibiotics, but less than a century ago treatments for diarrhea in chicks could have been a concoction of nutmeg, ginger and iron. “When we talk about a world without antibiotics we have to realize that has existed, and we may not be that […] Read moreB.C. producers focus on wildlife diversity
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — In a green thinking province like British Columbia, beef producers have decided to take a new approach and promote their industry as an environmental benefit to society. “We kept asking for grass. We are changing our ask. The ecosystem needs grass. The wildlife needs grass,” said Larry Garrett, who is in […] Read more
Ranch wins sustainability award in B.C.
Wilson and June Clifton of Keremeos have received the ranch sustainability award for British Columbia. Located in the Similkameen Valley in the southern Interior, the ranch consists of a 500 cow-calf herd, a bull test station, feedlot and beef store. The ranch is spread over a large area and includes private, federal, crown and nature […] Read more
Global dairy demand on rise but not prices
LEXINGTON, Kentucky — Global demand for dairy products is escalating but prices do not always follow the same trajectory. “The growth story is fantastic. Since 2007, milk has been growing in demand by 2.3 percent or 19 million tonnes per year. That is almost the annual milk production of New Zealand,” said Torsten Hemme at […] Read more
